Like the LMS predecessor the BR design had a tender cab to enhance crew protection and visibility when running tender-first.

Darlington works was responsible for building the entire fleet of 65 engines and for a time construction of the LMS and BR designs overlapped.

This was unusual, given Robert Riddles and his team made an effort to optimise working conditions in the Standards' cab layout.

Two former Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway sheds (Bank Hall (Liverpool) and Wigan (L&Y), respectively), designated 27A and 27D, received an allocation of the class.

Bank Hall had 78041–44 which were used with great success on both slow and fast trains from Liverpool Exchange to either Preston, Bolton or Rochdale.

Number 78022 preserved on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway had a spell as Preston station passenger pilot whilst allocated to Lostock Hall.